How a Fabric Structure Solved Salt Storage Problems for Wayne, N.J.

Proper road salt and sand storage is crucial to municipalities and businesses, and for the Township of Wayne, New Jersey’s Department of Public Works, this was a problem.

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Installation of a ClearSpan Fabric Structure for salt storage has enabled the Township of Wayne, N.J.'s Department of Public Works to more efficiently and safely store its road salt.

But through the installation of fabric storage structures from ClearSpan Fabric Structures International, the public works agency was able to safely and efficiently store its road salt — just in time for severe winter weather this past winter.

“Winter weather in New Jersey can coat the roads with anything from snow to sleet and freezing rain, creating slippery conditions that require layers of road salt,” says Wayne Township Public Works Director George Holzapfel. “Since the state of New Jersey mandates that all road salt be kept in an enclosed area, a proper storage facility is crucial for road crews.”

The department had been storing its road salt on an asphalt pad, covered with a large tarp. Holzapfel says this practice was not only inconvenient in severe weather, but also sometimes hazardous.

“The tarp had to be removed for access before, or sometimes during, snow or ice events, neither of which was a pleasure for the employees,” Holzapfel says. “During non-winter periods winds often blew the tarps off, which then had to be reinstalled. Handling large tarps in windy conditions had to be undertaken with extreme caution…again, a task no one liked,” he added.

Holzapfel began looking for a more efficient, yet cost-effective solution to comply with the mandate. After a bit of research, he decided on a ClearSpan Hercules Truss Arch Building. The quick, easy construction and low cost of the 65- by 100-foot building made it the best option for Holzapfel.

“An overriding factor was foundation requirements,” Holzapfel says. “The site had clay layers and refuse which would have required deep spread footings or piles to support a traditional structure, substantially increasing costs. The ClearSpan system was essentially placed on an asphalt pad.”

The building’s construction took only a few weeks and meets all of the department’s needs.

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The Township of Wayne, N.J., solved its salt storage problem just in time for this past winter's severe winter weather

“It is well received,” Holzapfel says. “Material stored is safe from the elements, and access for trucks and equipment is excellent.”

The building is working so well that they have already constructed a smaller ClearSpan structure to store truck tires, and are considering another facility to increase their winter salt storage and possibly store vehicles the rest of the year.”

Article and photos contributed by ClearSpan Fabric Structures International